Character Before Calling

In one paragraph

Lissa Hunter brought the message this Sunday, working through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. She used it to address something she said can get overwhelming fast: figuring out what you are called to. Her aim was simple, that everyone would leave feeling like they could take one step of obedience toward their calling, today, without needing the whole plan first. Lissa set...

Read together

1. Acts 8:26-40 primary passage read aloud in full, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch
2. Matthew 19:12 quoted to explain the three types of eunuchs Jesus describes
3. Luke 16:10 quoted on faithfulness in little things leading to greater responsibility and true riches of heaven
4. Acts 6:1-7 referenced for background on Philip being chosen as one of the seven
5. Acts 8:1-5 read to show persecution scattering believers and Philip preaching in Samaria
6. Isaiah 56 referenced for the verse speaking directly to eunuchs, promising them an everlasting name

What was said

• This week, when you notice someone at the store or on the street, pause for a moment and ask God whether he is drawing your attention to them for a reason.
• Think of one small thing God has already been asking you to do and take that first step without waiting until you can see the whole plan.
• When a difficult or unexpected situation comes up this week, ask yourself whether God might be using it to redirect you rather than stop you.
• At some point this week, sit quietly and ask God one simple question: is there something right in front of me that I can take a step of obedience toward today.
• Show up to Revival at the Rodeo at the Jackson Hole rodeo grounds on a Monday evening at 7pm and join Tribe Worship in praying for the town during peak season.

Talk about it

1. Lissa said that character often comes before calling, and that God builds us through ordinary, everyday faithfulness before giving us greater assignments. Where in your own life right now do you sense God developing your character, even if it does not feel significant?
2. Philip left a thriving ministry in Samaria to walk an empty desert road with no explanation beyond a single instruction. Can you think of a time when God asked you to step away from something that was working, and how did you respond?
3. Amanda bought a bike for a stranger who then turned it down, and she said she lost no sleep over it because her responsibility was obedience and God's responsibility was the result. How do you personally handle it when an act of obedience seems to produce no visible outcome?
4. Lissa described stopping to notice someone at a grocery store and simply telling them God sees them, and said that sometimes nothing happens and sometimes there are instant tears. What makes it hard for you to act on those small promptings, and what has helped you follow through?
5. Philip was taken away by the Spirit immediately after baptizing the Ethiopian and never saw what happened next. How do you make peace with not knowing the full impact of your obedience, and what does that ask of you in terms of trust?